U.S. patent application number 16/436415 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-12 for sprinkler guard and a method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Myron Allen, Nathan Chad Stewart, Steven D. Wolin.
Application Number | 20190374969 16/436415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68765543 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190374969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen; Myron ; et
al. |
December 12, 2019 |
SPRINKLER GUARD AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SPRINKLER GUARD
Abstract
A sprinkler guard includes two or more plates centered relative
to a central axis of the sprinkler guard. A plurality of legs
includes first and second legs that are attached to one plate, and
third and fourth legs that are attached to another plate. A
circular ring is attached to lower ends of the first to fourth
legs, a center of the circular ring coinciding with the central
axis, and the first to fourth legs being spaced apart about the
circumference of the circular ring. First and second swing arms are
rotatably attached to the first and second legs, respectively, and
are configured to be snap fit into indents on the third and fourth
legs, respectively. In addition, a cross bar is attached to the
circular ring and extends across a diameter of the circular
ring.
Inventors: |
Allen; Myron; (Westminster,
SC) ; Stewart; Nathan Chad; (Liberty, SC) ;
Wolin; Steven D.; (Clemson, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. |
Liberty |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68765543 |
Appl. No.: |
16/436415 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62682330 |
Jun 8, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 35/68 20130101;
B05B 1/265 20130101; B05B 15/16 20180201; A62C 37/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B05B 15/16 20060101
B05B015/16; A62C 35/68 20060101 A62C035/68 |
Claims
1. A sprinkler guard that is mountable to a fire protection
sprinkler, the sprinkler guard comprising: (A) two or more plates
centered relative to a central axis of the sprinkler guard, the two
or more plates defining a plane that is perpendicular to the
central axis, and the two or more plates including: (a) a first
plate having (i) a first projection that extends from the first
plate in an upward direction that is parallel to the central axis,
(ii) one or more second projections that extend from the first
projection of the first plate in a first lateral direction that is
orthogonal to the central axis, and (iii) a lower surface facing a
downward direction that is opposite to the upward direction; and
(b) a second plate having (i) a first projection that extends from
the second plate in the upward direction, (ii) one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the second
plate in a second lateral direction that is opposite to the first
lateral direction, and (iii) a lower surface facing the downward
direction; (B) a plurality of legs including: (a) a first leg
having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of the first
plate, the upper end extending in a first inward radial direction
that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a middle
portion extending in the downward direction and having an indent,
and (iii) a lower end extending in the first inward radial
direction; (b) a second leg having (i) an upper end attached to the
lower surface of the first plate, the upper end extending in a
second inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in
the second inward radial direction; (c) a third leg having (i) an
upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the
upper end extending in a third inward radial direction that is
orthogonal to and toward the central axis, and that is opposite to
the first inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending
in the downward direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower
end extending in the third inward radial direction; and (d) a
fourth leg having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of
the second plate, the upper end extending in a fourth inward radial
direction that is opposite to the second inward radial direction,
(ii) a middle portion extending in the downward direction and
having an indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in the fourth
inward radial direction; (C) a circular ring that is attached to
each of the lower ends of the first to fourth legs, a center of the
circular ring coinciding with the central axis, and the first to
fourth legs being spaced apart about the circumference of the
circular ring; (D) two or more swing arms including: (a) a first
swing arm having (i) a looped end that at least partly encircles
the middle portion of the first leg and configured to sit in the
indent of the middle portion of the first leg, (ii) a free end that
is opposite to the looped end, and (iii) a bent portion, provided
between the looped end and the free end, and configured to snap fit
into the indent of the middle portion of the third leg; and (b) a
second swing arm having (i) a looped end that at least partly
encircles the middle portion of the second leg and configured to
sit in the indent of the middle portion of the second leg, (ii) a
free end that is opposite to the looped end, and (iii) a bent
portion, provided between the looped end and the free end, and
configured to snap fit into the indent of the middle portion of the
fourth leg; and (E) a cross bar that is attached to a lower surface
of the circular ring, the cross bar extending along a diameter of
the circular ring and along an axis that is orthogonal to the
central axis and parallel to the first and second lateral
directions.
2. The sprinkler guard according to claim 1, wherein the upper end
of the first leg and the upper end of the second leg extend along
the first inward radial direction and the second inward radial
direction, respectively, so as to be closer to the central axis
that an inner peripheral surface of the first plate, and wherein
the upper end of the third leg and the upper end of the fourth leg
extend along the third inward radial direction and the fourth
inward radial direction, respectively, so as to be closer to the
central axis that an inner peripheral surface of the second
plate.
3. The sprinkler guard according to claim 2, wherein the plurality
of legs further includes: (e) a fifth leg having (i) an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the upper end
extending in a fifth inward radial direction that is orthogonal to
and toward the central axis and parallel to the first lateral
direction, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction, and (iii) a lower end extending in the fifth inward
radial direction, the fifth leg being provided between the first
leg and the second leg and being equally spaced from the first leg
and the second leg; and (f) a sixth leg having (i) an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end
extending in a sixth inward radial direction that is opposite to
the fifth inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending
in the downward direction, and (iii) a lower end extending in the
sixth inward radial direction, the sixth leg being provided between
the third leg and the fourth leg and being equally spaced from the
third leg and the fourth leg, wherein the lower end of the fifth
leg and the lower end of the sixth leg are attached to the circular
ring, and wherein the cross bar extends between the fifth leg and
the sixth leg.
4. The sprinkler guard according to claim 3, wherein the cross bar
is integral with the fifth leg and the sixth leg.
5. A sprinkler guard that is mountable to a fire protection
sprinkler, the sprinkler guard comprising: (A) two or more plates
centered relative to a central axis of the sprinkler guard, the two
or more plates defining a plane that is perpendicular to the
central axis, and the two or more plates including: (a) a first
plate having (i) a first projection that extends from the first
plate in an upward direction that is parallel to the central axis,
(ii) one or more second projections that extend from the first
projection of the first plate in a first lateral direction that is
orthogonal to the central axis, and (iii) a lower surface facing a
downward direction that is opposite to the upward direction; and
(b) a second plate having (i) a first projection that extends from
the second plate in the upward direction, (ii) one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the second
plate in a second lateral direction that is opposite to the first
lateral direction, and (iii) a lower surface facing the downward
direction; (B) a plurality of legs including: (a) a first leg
having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of the first
plate, the upper end extending in a first inward radial direction
that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a middle
portion extending in the downward direction and having an indent,
and (iii) a lower end extending in the first inward radial
direction; (b) a second leg having (i) an upper end attached to the
lower surface of the first plate, the upper end extending in a
second inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in
the second inward radial direction; (c) a third leg having (i) an
upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the
upper end extending in a third inward radial direction that is
opposite to the first inward radial direction, (ii) a middle
portion extending in the downward direction and having an indent,
and (iii) a lower end extending in the third inward radial
direction; and (d) a fourth leg having (i) an upper end attached to
the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end extending in a
fourth inward radial direction that is opposite to the second
inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending in the
downward direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower end
extending in the fourth inward radial direction; (C) a circular
ring that is attached to each of the lower ends of the first to
fourth legs, a center of the circular ring coinciding with the
central axis, and the first to fourth legs being spaced apart about
the circumference of the circular ring; (D) two or more swing arms
including: (a) a first swing arm having (i) a looped end that at
least partly encircles the middle portion of the first leg and
configured to sit in the indent of the middle portion of the first
leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the looped end, and (iii)
a bent portion, provided between the looped end and the free end,
and configured to snap fit into the indent of the middle portion of
the third leg; and (b) a second swing arm having (i) a looped end
that at least partly encircles the middle portion of the second leg
and configured to sit in the indent of the middle portion of the
second leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the looped end, and
(iii) a bent portion, provided between the looped end and the free
end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of the middle
portion of the fourth leg; and (E) a cross bar that is attached to
the circular ring, the cross bar extending along a diameter of the
circular ring and along an axis that is perpendicular to the
central axis and perpendicular to the first and second lateral
directions.
6. The sprinkler guard according to claim 5, wherein the upper end
of the first leg and the upper end of the second leg extend along
the first inward radial direction and the second inward radial
direction, respectively, so as to be closer to the central axis
that an inner peripheral surface of the first plate, and wherein
the upper end of the third leg and the upper end of the fourth leg
extend along the third inward radial direction and the fourth
inward radial direction, respectively, so as to be closer to the
central axis that an inner peripheral surface of the second
plate.
7. The sprinkler guard according to claim 6, wherein the plurality
of legs further includes: (e) a fifth leg having (i) an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the upper end
extending in a fifth inward radial direction that is orthogonal to
and toward the central axis and parallel to the first lateral
direction, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction, and (iii) a lower end extending in the fifth inward
radial direction, the fifth leg being provided between the first
leg and the second leg and being equally spaced from the first leg
and the second leg; and (f) a sixth leg having (i) an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end
extending in a sixth inward radial direction that is opposite to
the fifth inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending
in the downward direction, and (iii) a lower end extending in the
sixth inward radial direction, the sixth leg being provided between
the third leg and the fourth leg and being equally spaced from the
third leg and the fourth leg, and wherein the lower end of the
fifth leg and the lower end of the sixth leg are attached to the
circular ring.
8. A method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard, the method
comprising the steps of: (A) providing two or more plates, the two
or more plates being symmetrical with respect to a central axis of
the sprinkler guard, and including: (a) a first plate having (i) a
first projection that extends from the first plate in an upward
direction that is parallel to the central axis, (ii) one or more
second projections that extend from the first projection of the
first plate in a first lateral direction that is orthogonal to the
central axis, and (iii) a lower surface facing a downward direction
that is opposite to the upward direction; and (b) a second plate
having (i) a first projection that extends from the second plate in
the upward direction, (ii) one or more second projections that
extend from the first projection of the second plate in a second
lateral direction that is opposite to the first lateral direction,
and (iii) a lower surface facing the downward direction; (B)
providing a plurality of legs including: (a) a first leg having (i)
an upper end attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the
upper end extending in a first inward radial direction that is
orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a middle portion
extending in the downward direction and having an indent, and (iii)
a lower end extending in the first inward radial direction; (b) a
second leg having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of
the first plate, the upper end extending in a second inward radial
direction that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a
middle portion extending in the downward direction and having an
indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in the second inward radial
direction; (c) a third leg having (i) an upper end attached to the
lower surface of the second plate, the upper end extending in a
third inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, and that is opposite to the first inward radial
direction, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in
the third inward radial direction; and (d) a fourth leg having (i)
an upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the
upper end extending in a fourth inward radial direction that is
orthogonal to and toward the central axis, and that is opposite to
the second inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending
in the downward direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower
end extending in the fourth inward radial direction; (C) providing
a circular ring that is attached to each of the lower ends of the
first to fourth legs, a center of the circular ring coinciding with
the central axis, and the first to fourth legs being spaced apart
about the circumference of the circular ring; (D) providing two or
more swing arms including: (a) a first swing arm having (i) a
looped end that at least partly encircles the middle portion of the
first leg and configured to sit in the indent of the middle portion
of the first leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the looped
end, and (iii) a bent portion, provided between the looped end and
the free end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of the
middle portion of the third leg; and (b) a second swing arm having
(i) a looped end that at least partly encircles the middle portion
of the second leg and configured to sit in the indent of the middle
portion of the second leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the
looped end, and (iii) a bent portion, provided between the looped
end and the free end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of
the middle portion of the fourth leg; and (E) providing a cross bar
that is attached a lower surface of the circular ring, the cross
bar extending along a diameter of the circular ring and along an
axis that is orthogonal to the central axis and parallel to the
first and second lateral directions.
9. The method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard according to claim
8, wherein the upper end of the first leg and the upper end of the
second leg extend along the first inward radial direction and the
second inward radial direction, respectively, so as to be closer to
the central axis that an inner peripheral surface of the first
plate, and wherein the upper end of the third leg and the upper end
of the fourth leg extend along the third inward radial direction
and the fourth inward radial direction, respectively, so as to be
closer to the central axis that an inner peripheral surface of the
second plate.
10. The method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard according to
claim 9, wherein the plurality of legs further includes: (e) a
fifth leg having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of
the first plate, the upper end extending in a fifth inward radial
direction that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis and
parallel to the first lateral direction, (ii) a middle portion
extending in the downward direction, and (iii) a lower end
extending in the fifth inward radial direction, the fifth leg being
provided between the first leg and the second leg and being equally
spaced from the first leg and the second leg; and (f) a sixth leg
having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of the second
plate, the upper end extending in a sixth inward radial direction
that is opposite to the fifth inward radial direction, (ii) a
middle portion extending in the downward direction, and (iii) a
lower end extending in the sixth inward radial direction, the sixth
leg being provided between the third leg and the fourth leg and
being equally spaced from the third leg and the fourth leg, wherein
the lower end of the fifth leg and the lower end of the sixth leg
are attached to the circular ring, and wherein the cross bar
extends between the fifth leg and the sixth leg.
11. The method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard according to
claim 10, wherein the cross bar is integral with the fifth leg and
the sixth leg.
12. A method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard, the method
comprising the steps of: (A) providing two or more plates, the two
or more plates being symmetrical with respect to a central axis of
the sprinkler guard, and including: (a) a first plate having (i) a
first projection that extends from the first plate in an upward
direction that is parallel to the central axis, (ii) one or more
second projections that extend from the first projection of the
first plate in a first lateral direction that is orthogonal to the
central axis, and (iii) a lower surface facing a downward direction
that is opposite to the upward direction; and (b) a second plate
having (i) a first projection that extends from the second plate in
the upward direction, (ii) one or more second projections that
extend from the first projection of the second plate in a second
lateral direction that is opposite to the first lateral direction,
and (iii) a lower surface facing the downward direction; (B)
providing a plurality of legs including: (a) a first leg having (i)
an upper end attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the
upper end extending in a first inward radial direction that is
orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a middle portion
extending in the downward direction and having an indent, and (iii)
a lower end extending in the first inward radial direction; (b) a
second leg having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of
the first plate, the upper end extending in a second inward radial
direction that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis, (ii) a
middle portion extending in the downward direction and having an
indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in the second inward radial
direction; (c) a third leg having (i) an upper end attached to the
lower surface of the second plate, the upper end extending in a
third inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, and that is opposite to the first inward radial
direction, (ii) a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower end extending in
the third inward radial direction; and (d) a fourth leg having (i)
an upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the
upper end extending in a fourth inward radial direction that is
orthogonal to and toward the central axis, and that is opposite to
the second inward radial direction, (ii) a middle portion extending
in the downward direction and having an indent, and (iii) a lower
end extending in the fourth inward radial direction; (C) providing
a circular ring that is attached to each of the lower ends of the
first to fourth legs, a center of the circular ring coinciding with
the central axis, and the first to fourth legs being spaced apart
about the circumference of the circular ring; (D) providing two or
more swing arms including: (a) a first swing arm having (i) a
looped end that at least partly encircles the middle portion of the
first leg and configured to sit in the indent of the middle portion
of the first leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the looped
end, and (iii) a bent portion, provided between the looped end and
the free end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of the
middle portion of the third leg; and (b) a second swing arm having
(i) a looped end that at least partly encircles the middle portion
of the second leg and configured to sit in the indent of the middle
portion of the second leg, (ii) a free end that is opposite to the
looped end, and (iii) a bent portion, provided between the looped
end and the free end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of
the middle portion of the fourth leg; and (E) providing a cross bar
that is attached to the circular ring, the cross bar extending
along a diameter of the circular ring and along an axis that is
perpendicular to the central axis and perpendicular to the first
and second lateral directions.
13. The method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard according to
claim 12, wherein the upper end of the first leg and the upper end
of the second leg extend along the first inward radial direction
and the second inward radial direction, respectively, so as to be
closer to the central axis that an inner peripheral surface of the
first plate, and wherein the upper end of the third leg and the
upper end of the fourth leg extend along the third inward radial
direction and the fourth inward radial direction, respectively, so
as to be closer to the central axis that an inner peripheral
surface of the second plate.
14. The method of manufacturing a sprinkler guard according to
claim 13, wherein the plurality of legs further includes: (e) a
fifth leg having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of
the first plate, the upper end extending in a fifth inward radial
direction that is orthogonal to and toward the central axis and
parallel to the first lateral direction, (ii) a middle portion
extending in the downward direction, and (iii) a lower end
extending in the fifth inward radial direction, the fifth leg being
provided between the first leg and the second leg and being equally
spaced from the first leg and the second leg; and (f) a sixth leg
having (i) an upper end attached to the lower surface of the second
plate, the upper end extending in a sixth inward radial direction
that is opposite to the fifth inward radial direction, (ii) a
middle portion extending in the downward direction, and (iii) a
lower end extending in the sixth inward radial direction, the sixth
leg being provided between the third leg and the fourth leg and
being equally spaced from the third leg and the fourth leg, and
wherein the lower end of the fifth leg and the lower end of the
sixth leg are attached to the circular ring.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/682,330, filed on Jun. 8, 2018, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Our invention generally relates to a sprinkler guard for
protection of a fire protection sprinkler, and a method of
manufacturing a sprinkler guard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Suppression mode automatic sprinklers are thermo-sensitive
devices that are designed to operate at a predetermined temperature
by releasing a stream of fluid, typically water, and distributing
the fluid in a specified pattern (i.e., a spray pattern) and in a
density over a designated area to achieve fire suppression when
installed on appropriate sprinkler piping. Early-suppression, fast
response (ESFR) fire protection sprinklers are defined in section
3.6.4.3 of Standard 13 issued by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA 13), of Quincy, Mass., United States, as "a type
of fast-response sprinkler that has a thermal element with a
response time index ("RTI") of 50 (meters-seconds).sup.1/2 or less
and is listed for its capability to provide fire suppression of
specific high-challenge fire hazards." ESFR sprinklers are also
defined in terms of a suitable required-delivered-density (RDD),
which is the minimum amount of water that must be delivered to a
combustible fuel package in order to achieve suppression of a type
of a fire for a given commodity.
[0004] Fire protection sprinkler systems that include ESFR fire
protection sprinklers are subject to testing requirements set forth
in various standards, such as Standard 1767 issued by Underwriter's
Laboratories (UL 1767), of Northbrook, Ill., United States, or
Approval Standard 2008 issued by the Factory Mutual Global (FM
Approval Standard 2008), of Johnston, R.I., United States. The
testing requirements set forth in these standards are based on a
number of parameters, including, for example, the sprinkler
specifications (e.g., the K-factor, which is the flow rate of a
fluid through an outlet of the sprinkler, in gallons per minute,
divided by the square root of the pressure loss through the
sprinkler, in pounds per square inch), the orientation of the
sprinkler, the type of coverage area, the hazard classification,
the type of storage, the type of commodity, the storage height, the
ceiling height, the sprinkler temperature rating, and the design
density, among others.
[0005] For example, Section 51 of UL 1767 provides the testing
requirements for large scale fire tests for ESFR sprinklers having
nominal K-factors of 22.4 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 (i.e., a K-22 ESFR
sprinkler) or of 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 (i.e., a K-25 ESFR
sprinkler). In particular, water discharged from a K-22 sprinkler
or a K-25 sprinkler shall be capable of controlling a large-scale
fire based on the requirements set forth in Table 51.1, reproduced
below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 51.1 Pendent ESFR fire test requirements
Criteria to be evaluated Test requirements Nominal K-Factor,
gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 14.0, 16.8, 22.4, and 25.2 Maximum number of
sprinklers One Remaining tests permitted to operate within the
within the test series test series 9 8 Maximum 1 minute average
1000 (538) steel temperature, .degree. F. (.degree. C.) Regrowth of
fire No signs of regrowth at the end of the test as evidenced by
significantly increasing steel or gas temperatures at the ceiling
Fire spread No sustained combustion at the outer edge of the end of
the main test array and none at the outer edges of the target
array
[0006] The fire test conditions for a nominal K-22 ESFR sprinkler
for use with a maximum ceiling height of 45 ft (13.7 m), as set
forth in UL 1767, are listed in Table 51.3, reproduced below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 51.3 Fire test conditions for nominal K-22.4
pendent ESFR sprinklers for use with a maximum ceiling height of 45
ft (13.7 m) Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Test 6 Test 7
Storage Type Double row Double row Double row Double Double row
Double row Double row rack rack rack row rack rack rack rack
Commodity Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Type cartoned cartoned
cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned group A group A group
A group A group A group A group A plastic plastic plastic plastic
plastic plastic plastic Test Array See FIG. See FIG. See FIG. See
See FIG. See FIG. See FIG. 51.1 51.2 51.1 FIG. 51.5 51.3 51.2 51.4
Nominal 20 (6.1) 25 (7.6) 20 (6.1) 35 (10.7) 40 (12.2) 30 (9.1) 25
(7.6) storage height, ft (m) Nominal 30 (9.1) 30 (9.1) 30 (9.1) 45
(13.7) Adjusted to 45 (13.7) 45 (13.7) ceiling achieve height, ft
(m) sprinkler to deflector to commodity clearance Nominal 10 (3.0)
5 (1.5) 10 (3.0) 10 (3.0) 3 (0.9) 15 (4.6) 20 (6.1) clearance to
deflector, ft (m) Sprinkler Minimum Maximum Minimum Minimum Minimum
Minimum See Note 1 temperature temperature temperature temperature
temperature temperature temperature rating rating rating rating
rating rating rating Nominal 14 (35.6) Maximum Maximum 14 (35.6)
Maximum Maximum See Note 1 deflector to specified specified
specified specified ceiling by manufacturer by manufacturer by
manufacturer by manufacturer distance, in (cm) Sprinkler 10 .times.
10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 10
.times. 10 10 .times. 10 spacing, ft .times. (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0
.times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0)
(3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) ft (m .times. m) Nominal 25
(172) 25 (172) 25 (172) 40 (276) 40 (276) 40 (276) 40 (276)
discharge density, psig (kPa) Ignition Under one Between Between
Under one Between Between See Note 1 location four two on four two
on same same branchline branchline Test 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
duration, minutes Note 1 Test scenario selected for this test is to
be the most challenging based upon the results of previous
tests.
[0007] The fire test conditions for a nominal K-25 ESFR sprinkler
for use with a maximum ceiling height of 45 feet (13.7 m), as set
forth in UL 1767, are listed in Table 51.5, reproduced below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 51.5 Fire test conditions for nominal K-25.2
pendent ESFR sprinklers for use with a maximum ceiling height of 45
ft (13.7 m) Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 Test 6 Test 7 Test 8
Storage Double row Double Double Double Double row Double row
Double Double row Type rack row rack row rack row rack rack rack
row rack rack Commodity Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std.
Type cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned cartoned
cartoned group A group A group A group A group A group A group A
group A plastic plastic plastic plastic plastic plastic plastic
plastic Test Array See FIG. See FIG. See See See FIG. See FIG. See
Note 1 See FIG. 51.1 51.2 FIG. FIG. 51.5 51.3 51.2 51.1 51.4
Nominal 20 (6.1) 25 (7.6) 20 (6.1) 35 (10.7) 40 (12.2) 30 (9.1) See
Note 1 25 (7.6) storage height, ft (m) Nominal 30 (9.1) 30 (9.1) 30
(9.1) 45 (13.7) Adjusted to 45 (13.7) 40 (12.2) 45 (13.7) ceiling
achieve height, ft sprinkler to (m) deflector to commodity
clearance Nominal 10 (3.0) 5 (1.5) 10 (3.0) 10 (3.0) 3 (0.9) 15
(4.6) See Note 1 20 (6.1) clearance to deflector, ft (m) Sprinkler
Minimum Maximum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum See Note 1 See Note
1 temperature temperature temperature temperature temperature
temperature temperature rating rating rating rating rating rating
rating Nominal 14 (35.6) Maximum Maximum 14 (35.6) Maximum Maximum
See Note 1 See Note 1 deflector to specified specified specified
specified ceiling by manufacturer by manufacturer by manufacturer
by manufacturer distance, in (cm) Sprinkler 10 .times. 10 10
.times. 10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10
10 .times. 10 10 .times. 10 spacing, ft .times. (3.0 .times. 3.0)
(3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times.
3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) (3.0 .times. 3.0) ft (m
.times. m) Nominal 15 (103) 15 (103) 15 (103) 40 (276) 40 (276) 40
(276) 25 (172) 40 (276) discharge density, psig (kPa) Ignition
Under one Between Between Under one Between Between See Note 1 See
Note 1 location four two on four two on same same branchline
branchline Test 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 duration, minutes Note 1
Test scenario selected for this test is to be the most challenging
based upon the results of previous tests.
[0008] When fire protection sprinklers are located in an area in
which the fire protection sprinklers are susceptible to physical
damage, sprinkler guards may be mounted to the fire protection
sprinklers. Sprinkler guards known in the art may be mounted to a
fire protection sprinkler prior to installation of the fire
protection sprinkler in an occupancy, or they may be mounted to the
fire protection sprinkler after installation.
[0009] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,418 (Ponte) teaches a
sprinkler guard having U-shaped wire members arranged uniformly
about a sprinkler axis, each joined at one end to a ring and at the
other end to two opposed base plates. An opening allows the
sprinkler guard to be mounted on a sprinkler head, and two tabs
project inwardly toward a plane extending through the sprinkler
axis between the base plates. In addition, two downwardly
projecting portions of the base plates have outer surfaces that
extend parallel to the two tabs. After the sprinkler guard is
mounted to the sprinkler head, two wire clips that are pivotally
supported on a wire member engage with a clip receiving portion on
an adjacent wire member of an opposite section, so as to clamp two
sections of the guard together.
[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0361100
(Hunsberger) discloses a sprinkler head protection arrangement
having a base plate and a cover plate removably attached to the
base plate using nuts and bolts, with each plate having a
passageway for insertion of a sprinkler head. The cover plate has a
protective cage formed of rigid links spaced apart
circumferentially about a sprinkler head that is inserted into the
passageway of the cover plate. At one end, the links are attached
to the cover plate, and at the other end, the links are attached to
a circumference of a top ring that is reinforced by a top bar. A
second, lower ring may be provided between the cover plate and the
top ring, with the links being attached about the circumference of
the lower ring. Recesses or notches may be provided on the top and
lower rings for placement of the links in manufacturing the cage.
When the sprinkler head protection arrangement requires service,
repair, or maintenance, the cover plate can be removed from the
base plate, along with the protective cage.
[0011] ESFR sprinklers are very sensitive to spray pattern
disruption. When known sprinkler guards, such as those disclosed in
Ponte and Hunsberger, are mounted to ESFR sprinklers, the sprinkler
guards obstruct the spray pattern of a fire protection fluid output
by the ESFR sprinklers upon activation, and thus, the ESFR
sprinklers may not meet the testing requirements, such as those set
forth in UL 1767 and FM Approval Standard 2008, described
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of these problems, our invention is directed to a
sprinkler guard that can be mounted to a fire protection sprinkler
before or after installation of the fire protection sprinkler in an
occupancy. The sprinkler guard is structured so as to reduce or
eliminate any obstruction to the spray pattern of the fire
protection sprinkler. The sprinkler guards described herein are
particularly adapted for use with ESFR fire protection sprinklers
having K-factors of 22.4 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 and 25.2
gpm/(psi).sup.1/2, such as the K22 and K25 ESFR fire protection
sprinklers manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.,
Inc., of Liberty, S.C., United States.
[0013] In a first embodiment, a sprinkler guard that is mountable
to a fire protection sprinkler comprises two or more plates
centered relative to a central axis of the sprinkler guard, the two
or more plates defining a plane that is perpendicular to the
central axis. The two or more plates include a first plate having a
first projection that extends from the first plate in an upward
direction that is parallel to the central axis, one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the first
plate in a first lateral direction that is orthogonal to the
central axis, and a lower surface facing a downward direction that
is opposite to the upward direction. The two or more plates also
include a second plate having a first projection that extends from
the second plate in the upward direction, one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the second
plate in a second lateral direction that is opposite to the first
lateral direction, and a lower surface facing the downward
direction.
[0014] The sprinkler guard of the first embodiment further
comprises a plurality of legs including a first leg having an upper
end attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the upper end
extending in a first inward radial direction that is orthogonal to
and toward the central axis, a middle portion extending in the
downward direction and having an indent, and a lower end extending
in the first inward radial direction. A second leg has an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the first plate, the upper end
extending in a second inward radial direction that is orthogonal to
and toward the central axis, a middle portion extending in the
downward direction and having an indent, and a lower end extending
in the second inward radial direction. A third leg has an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end
extending in a third inward radial direction that is orthogonal to
and toward the central axis, and that is opposite to the first
inward radial direction, a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and a lower end extending in the
third inward radial direction. A fourth leg has an upper end
attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end
extending in a fourth inward radial direction that is opposite to
the second inward radial direction, a middle portion extending in
the downward direction and having an indent, and a lower end
extending in the fourth inward radial direction.
[0015] The sprinkler guard of the first embodiment further
comprises circular ring is attached to each of the lower ends of
the first to fourth legs, and has a center that coincides with the
central axis. The first to fourth legs are spaced apart about the
circumference of the circular ring. Two or more swing arms include
a first swing arm having a looped end that at least partly
encircles the middle portion of the first leg and configured to sit
in the indent of the middle portion of the first leg, a free end
that is opposite to the looped end, and a bent portion, provided
between the looped end and the free end, and configured to snap fit
into the indent of the middle portion of the third leg. In
addition, the two or more swing arms include a second swing arm
having a looped end that at least partly encircles the middle
portion of the second leg and configured to sit in the indent of
the middle portion of the second leg, a free end that is opposite
to the looped end, and a bent portion, provided between the looped
end and the free end, and configured to snap fit into the indent of
the middle portion of the fourth leg. The sprinkler guard further
comprises a cross bar that is attached to a lower surface of the
circular ring, the cross bar extending along a diameter of the
circular ring and along an axis that is orthogonal to the central
axis and parallel to the first and second lateral directions.
[0016] In a second embodiment, a sprinkler guard that is mountable
to a fire protection sprinkler comprises two or more plates
centered relative to a central axis of the sprinkler guard, the two
or more plates defining a plane that is perpendicular to the
central axis. The two or more plates include a first plate having a
first projection that extends from the first plate in an upward
direction that is parallel to the central axis, one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the first
plate in a first lateral direction that is orthogonal to the
central axis, and a lower surface facing a downward direction that
is opposite to the upward direction. The two or more plates also
include a second plate having a first projection that extends from
the second plate in the upward direction, one or more second
projections that extend from the first projection of the second
plate in a second lateral direction that is opposite to the first
lateral direction, and a lower surface facing the downward
direction.
[0017] The sprinkler guard further comprises a plurality of legs
including first leg having an upper end attached to the lower
surface of the first plate, the upper end extending in a first
inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, a middle portion extending in the downward direction
and having an indent, and a lower end extending in the first inward
radial direction. A second leg has an upper end attached to the
lower surface of the first plate, the upper end extending in a
second inward radial direction that is orthogonal to and toward the
central axis, a middle portion extending in the downward direction
and having an indent, and a lower end extending in the second
inward radial direction. A third leg has an upper end attached to
the lower surface of the second plate, the upper end extending in a
third inward radial direction that is opposite to the first inward
radial direction, a middle portion extending in the downward
direction and having an indent, and a lower end extending in the
third inward radial direction. In addition, a fourth leg has an
upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, the
upper end extending in a fourth inward radial direction that is
opposite to the second inward radial direction, a middle portion
extending in the downward direction and having an indent, and a
lower end extending in the fourth inward radial direction.
[0018] The sprinkler guard of the second embodiment further
comprises a circular ring that is attached to each of the lower
ends of the first to fourth legs, a center of the circular ring
coinciding with the central axis, and the first to fourth legs
being spaced apart about the circumference of the circular ring.
Two or more swing arms include a first swing arm having a looped
end that at least partly encircles the middle portion of the first
leg and configured to sit in the indent of the middle portion of
the first leg, a free end that is opposite to the looped end, and a
bent portion, provided between the looped end and the free end, and
configured to snap fit into the indent of the middle portion of the
third leg. The two or more swing arms further include a second
swing arm having a looped end that at least partly encircles the
middle portion of the second leg and configured to sit in the
indent of the middle portion of the second leg, a free end that is
opposite to the looped end, and a bent portion, provided between
the looped end and the free end, and configured to snap fit into
the indent of the middle portion of the fourth leg. In addition, a
cross bar is attached to the circular ring, and extends along a
diameter of the circular ring and along an axis that is
perpendicular to the central axis and perpendicular to the first
and second lateral directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a sprinkler guard, mounted to
a fire protection sprinkler, in a latched state, according to a
first embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the sprinkler guard, mounted
to the fire protection sprinkler, in the latched state, according
to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the sprinkler guard, mounted
to the fire protection sprinkler, in an unlatched state, according
to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the sprinkler guard in the
unlatched state, according to the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of the sprinkler guard in the latched
state, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a lower portion of the sprinkler
guard according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a top view of the sprinkler guard in the latched
state, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view of a swing arm of the sprinkler guard
according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side view of a sprinkler guard in a latched
state, according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a lower portion of the sprinkler
guard according to the second embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of the sprinkler guard in the latched
state, according to the second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] A sprinkler guard according to the first embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a sprinkler guard 1000 can be mounted to
a fire protection sprinkler 100 to protect the fire protection
sprinkler 100 from physical damage. The sprinkler guard 1000
includes a first plate 1005 and a second plate 1010 that generally
extend in a plane A-A that is perpendicular a central axis B of the
sprinkler guard 1000 (the central axis B coincides with a central
axis of the fire protection sprinkler 100). The first plate 1005
and the second plate 1010 mirror each other with respect to the
central axis B. The first plate 1005 has an outer peripheral edge
1015 and an inner peripheral edge 1020 that faces the central axis
B. The inner peripheral edge 1020 has a recessed portion 1025 that
can receive a portion of a hexagonal flange 105 of the fire
protection sprinkler 100, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] A first projection 1030 of the first plate 1005 extends out
of the plane A-A, in an upward direction in FIG. 1 that is parallel
to the central axis B. One or more second projections 1035 extend
from the first projection 1030 in a direction that is perpendicular
to the central axis B and toward the second plate 1010. When the
sprinkler guard 1000 is mounted to the fire protection sprinkler
100, an inner surface 1040 of the first projection 1030 and a lower
surface 1045 of each of the one or more second projections 1035
contact at least two surfaces of the hexagonal flange 105 of the
fire protection sprinkler 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the first plate 1005 of the sprinkler guard 1000 has two second
projections 1035, although it is within the scope of our invention
to have any number of second projections 1035.
[0033] First to third legs 1050, 1055, and 1060 are attached to
attached to a lower surface 1065 of the first plate 1005, as shown
in FIG. 1. Each of the first to third legs 1050, 1055, 1060 has an
upper end 1050a, 1055a, 1060a, respectively, that is attached, for
example, by welding, to the lower surface 1065 of the first plate
1005. The upper ends 1050a, 1055a, 1060a of the first to third legs
1050, 1055, 1060 extend in first to third inward radial directions,
respectively, that are perpendicular to and toward the central axis
B. Each of the first to third legs 1050, 1055, 1060 also has a
lower end 1050b, 1055b, 1060b, respectively. The lower ends 1050b,
1055b, and 1060b of the first to third legs 1050, 1055, and 1060,
respectively, are attached to a circular ring 1070. Each of the
first to third legs 1050, 1055, 1060 also includes a middle portion
1050c, 1055c, 1060c that extends from the upper end 1050a, 1055a,
1060a to the lower end 1050b, 1055b, 1060b, respectively, and is
parallel to the central axis B. The center of the ring 1070
coincides with the central axis B, and the first to third legs
1050, 1055, 1060 are spaced apart around one half of the ring 1070
with respect to the central axis B. In the first embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1, the first leg 1050 and the third leg 1060 are
equally spaced from the second leg 1055. In addition, the first leg
1050 and the second leg 1060 have indented portions 1050d, 1060d,
respectively, that can receive lopped portions 1075a, 1080a of
swing arms 1075, 1080, described below.
[0034] A first swing arm 1075 is rotatably attached to the first
leg 1050 by a looped portion 1075a that partly or entirely
encircles the first leg 1050. The looped portion 1075a is received
in the indented portion 1050d of the first leg 1050 when the
sprinkler guard 1000 is in a latched state, as shown in FIG. 1. The
swing arm 1075 is free to move along the middle portion 1050c of
the first leg 1050 when the sprinkler guard 1000 is in an unlatched
state. A second swing arm 1080 is rotatably attached to the third
leg 1060 by a looped portion 1080a that partly or entirely
encircles the third leg 1060. The looped portion 1080a is received
in the indented portion 1060d of the third leg 1060 when the
sprinkler guard 1000 is in the latched state, as shown in FIG. 1.
The swing arm 1080 is free to move along the middle portion 1060c
of the third leg 1060 when the sprinkler guard 1000 is in the
unlatched state.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, with respect to the central axis B of
the fire protection sprinkler 200, the shape of the second plate
2010 mirrors the shape of the first plate 2005. The second plate
2010 of the sprinkler guard 2000 has an outer peripheral edge 2085
and an inner peripheral edge 2090 that faces the central axis B.
The outer peripheral edge 2085 of the second plate 2010 and the
outer peripheral edge 2015 of the first plate 2005, taken together,
form an octagon, although the outer peripheral edges 2085, 2015 are
not limited to this shape. The outer peripheral edges 2085, 2015
may form other shapes, such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, and
an oval, among others.
[0036] The inner peripheral edge 2090 of the second plate 2010 has
a recessed portion 2095 that can receive a portion of the hexagonal
flange 205 of the fire protection sprinkler 200, as shown in FIG.
2. A first projection 2100 of the second plate 2010 extends out of
the plane A-A, in an upward direction in FIG. 2 that is parallel to
the central axis B. One or more second projections 2105 extend from
the first projection 2100 in a direction that is perpendicular to
the central axis B. When the sprinkler guard 2000 is mounted to the
fire protection sprinkler 200, an inner surface 2110 of the first
projection 2100 and a lower surface 2115 of each of the one or more
second projections 2105 contact at least two surfaces of the
hexagonal flange 205 of the fire protection sprinkler 200. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the sprinkler guard 2000 has two second
projections 2105, although it is within the scope of our invention
to have any number of second projections 2105.
[0037] Fourth to sixth legs 2120, 2125, and 2130 are attached to a
lower surface 2135 of the second plate 2010. The structure of the
fourth to sixth legs 2120, 2125, and 2130 is the same as that of
the first to third legs 1050, 1055, 1060, respectively, as
described with reference to FIG. 1. That is, each of the fourth to
sixth legs 2120, 2125, 2130 has an upper end 2120a, 2125a, 2130a,
respectively, that is attached, for example, by welding, to the
lower surface 2135 of the second plate 2010. The upper ends 2120a,
2125a, 2130a extend in fourth to sixth inward radial directions,
respectively, that are perpendicular to and toward the central axis
B. In this embodiment, the fourth inward radial direction is
opposite to the third inward radial direction, the fifth inward
radial direction is opposite to the second inward radial direction,
and the sixth inward radial direction is opposite to the first
inward radial direction.
[0038] Each of the fourth to sixth legs 2120, 2125, 2130 also has a
lower end 2120b, 2125b, 2130b, respectively. The lower ends 2120b,
2125b, 2130b are attached to the circular ring 2070 (the circular
ring 2070 shown in FIG. 2 is the same as the circular ring 1070
shown in FIG. 1). Each of the fourth to sixth legs 2120, 2125, 2130
also includes a middle portion 2120c, 2125c, 2130c, respectively,
that extends between the upper end 2120a, 2125a, 2130a and the
lower end 2120b, 2125b, 2130b, respectively, and that extends in a
direction that is parallel to the central axis B. The center of the
ring 2070 coincides with the central axis B, and the fourth to
sixth legs 2120, 2125, and 2130 are spaced apart around another
half of the ring 2070 with respect to the central axis B. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fourth leg 2120 and the sixth leg
2130 are equally spaced from the fifth leg 2125. In addition, the
fourth leg 2120 and the sixth leg 2130 have indented portions
2120d, 2130d, respectively, that can receive the first swing arm
2075 (the first swing arm 2075 is the same as the first swing arm
1075 shown in FIG. 1) and the second swing arm 2080 (the second
swing arm 2080 is the same as the second swing arm 1080 shown in
FIG. 1), respectively, when the sprinkler guard 2000 is in the
latched state.
[0039] At an end that is opposite to the looped ends 2075a, 2080a,
each of the first swing arm 2075 and the second swing arm 2080 has
a free end 2075c, 2080c, respectively. Between the looped portions
2075a, 2080a and the free ends 2075c, 2080c, each of the first
swing arm 2075 and the second swing arm 2080 has a bent portion
2075b, 2080b, respectively. The bent portions 2075b, 2080b partly
encircle the fourth leg 2120 and the sixth leg 2130, respectively.
The free ends 2075c, 2080c allow for ease of latching and
unlatching the swing arms 2075, 2085. When the sprinkler guard 2000
is in the latched state, as shown in FIG. 2, the looped end 2075a
of the first swing arm 2075 is positioned in the indented portion
2050d of the first leg 2050 attached to the first plate 2005, and
the looped end 2080a of the second swing arm 2080 is positioned in
the indented portion 2060d of the third leg 2060 attached to the
first plate 2005. In addition, when the sprinkler guard 2000 is in
the latched state, the bent portion 2075b of the first swing arm
2075 is positioned in the indented portion 2120d of the fourth leg
2120 attached to the second plate 2010, and the bent portion 2080b
of the second swing arm 2080 is positioned in the indented portion
2130d of the sixth leg 2130 attached to the second plate 2010. The
bent portions 2075b, 2080b may be snap fit into the indented
portions 2120d, 2130d, respectively.
[0040] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower end
2055b of the second leg 2055 attached to the first plate 2005 and
the lower end 2125b of the fifth leg 2125 attached to the second
plate 2010 are connected with a cross bar 2140. The cross bar 2140
extends diametrically across the circular ring 2070, along an axis
defined by the second inward radial direction and the fifth inward
radial direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the circular
ring 2070 is attached to an upper surface of the lower ends 2055b,
2125b of the second leg 2055 and the fifth leg 2125. When the
sprinkler guard 2000 is mounted on the fire protection sprinkler
200, the cross bar 2140 aligns with tabs 210 of a deflector 215 of
the fire protection sprinkler 200. That is, if the tabs 210 of the
deflector 215 define an axis D, the cross bar 2140 extends along an
axis C that is perpendicular to the central axis B, and parallel to
the plane A-A and to the axis D.
[0041] When the sprinkler guard 3000 is in the unlatched state, as
shown in FIG. 3, the looped end 3075a of the first swing arm 3075
remains rotatably attached to the first leg 3050 attached to the
first plate 3005. Similarly, the looped end 3080a of the second
swing arm 3080 remains rotatably attached to the third leg 3060
attached to the first plate 3005.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper ends 4050a, 4060a, 4120a, and
4130a of the first leg 4050, the third leg 4060, the fourth leg
4020, and the sixth leg 4030, respectively, extend beyond the first
plate 4005 and the second plate 4010 towards the central sprinkler
axis B. With reference to FIG. 3, when the sprinkler guard 3000 is
mounted to the fire protection sprinkler 300, the hexagonal flange
305 is thus sandwiched between the lower surfaces 3045 of the one
or more second projections 3035 and the inner surface 3040 of the
first projection 3030 of the first plate 3005, the lower surface
3115 of the one or more second projections 3105 and the inner
surface 3110 of the first projection 3100 of the second plate 3010,
and the upper ends 3050a, 3060a, 3120a, and 3130a of the first leg
3050, the third leg 3060, the fourth leg 3020, and the sixth leg
3030, respectively.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view of the sprinkler guard 5000 of the
first embodiment. The circular ring 5070 may be attached to an
upper surface of each of the lower ends 5050b, 5055b, 5060b, 5120b,
5125b, and 5130b of the first to sixth legs 5050, 5055, 5060, 5120,
5125, and 5130, respectively. With reference to FIG. 6, the cross
bar 6140 extends along the axis C between the lower end 6055b of
the second leg 6055 and the lower end 6125b of the fifth leg 6125,
within a plane E-E defined by the ring 6070.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a top view of the sprinkler guard 7000 in the
first embodiment. The first plate 7005 and the second plate 7010
mirror each other with respect to an axis F that is perpendicular
to the axis C. The intersection of the axis F and the axis C
coincides with the central axis B. In FIG. 7, the sprinkler guard
7000 is in the latched state, with the swing arms 7075, 7080 being
snap fit into the fourth leg 2120 and the sixth leg 2130,
respectively, to pull the first plate 7005 and the second leg 7010
toward each other.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a side view of one of the swings arms 8075,
8080 in the first embodiment. The swing arms 8075, 8080 include the
looped ends 8075a, 8080a formed as hooks, such that, when the first
leg 8050 and the third leg 8060 are inserted through the looped
ends 8075a, 8080a, respectively, the swing arms 8075, 8080 remain
rotatably attached to the first and third legs 8050, 8060,
respectively.
[0046] The sprinkler guard 1000 of the first embodiment is adapted
for use with an ESFR fire protection sprinkler having a K-factor of
25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 (K-25 ESFR sprinkler), manufactured by The
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. The K-25 ESFR sprinkler has
the hexagonal flange 105, shown in FIG. 1. When the sprinkler guard
1000 is mounted to the K-25 ESFR sprinkler 100, the inner surface
1040 of the first projection 1030 and the lower surface 1045 of
each of the one or more second projections 1035 of the first plate,
the inner surface 1110 of the first projection 1100 and the lower
surface 1115 of each of the one or more second projections 1105 of
the second plate, and the upper ends 1050a, 1060a, 1120a, 1130a of
the first, third, fourth, and sixth legs, respectively, contact the
hexagonal flange 105 of the fire protection sprinkler 100. When the
swing arms 1075, 1080 are snap fit into the indented portions
1120d, 1130d of the fourth and sixth legs 1120, 1130, respectively,
the sprinkler guard 1000 is firmly mounted to the K-25 ESFR
sprinkler 100. In addition, the deflector 115 of the K-25 ESFR
sprinkler 100 has the tabs 110 that extend along the axis C.
Positioning of the cross bar 1140 along the axis C reduces the
interference of the sprinkler guard 1000 with the spray pattern
that is formed by the deflector 115 of the K-25 ESFR sprinkler 100.
Thus, the sprinkler guard 1000 according to the first embodiment
can be used to protect a K-25 ESFR sprinkler from physical damage
while ensuring that the K-25 ESFR sprinkler meets the testing
requirements set forth in the relevant standards discussed herein,
including UL 1767 and FM Approval Standard 2008.
[0047] Further, the sprinkler guard 1000 according to our invention
can be easily and securely mounted to the fire protection sprinkler
100 by virtue of the rotatable swing arms 1075, 1080. That is,
during installation of the sprinkler guard 1000, after slipping the
sprinkler guard 1000 onto the fire protection sprinkler 100, the
swing arms 1075, 1080 can be moved so that the looped ends 1075a,
1080a are positioned in the indented portions 1050d, 1060d of the
first leg 1050 and the third leg 1060, respectively, and the bent
portions 1075b, 1080b can be snap fit onto the indented portions
1120d, 1130d of the fourth leg 1120 and the sixth leg 1130,
respectively. By snap fitting the swings arms 1075, 1080 in this
manner, the first plate 1005 and the second plate 1010 are urged
toward each other, and the above-noted portions of the sprinkler
guard 1000 firmly grip the hexagonal flange 105 of the fire
protection sprinkler 100.
[0048] As a method of manufacturing the sprinkler guard 1000 of the
first embodiment, the first plate 1005 may be formed of a
relatively thin metal plate having a thickness of approximately
0.0750 inch (1.91 mm). The second plate 2010 may also be formed of
a relatively thin metal plate having a thickness of approximately
0.0750 inch (1.91 mm). Although the dimensions may vary, each of
the first plate 1005 and the second plate 1010 may, for example,
have an overall (i.e., total) length of 2.25 inches (57.15 mm), the
length being measured along the axis F in FIG. 7, and an overall
(i.e., total) width of 1.125 inches (28.58 mm), the width being
measured along the axis C in FIG. 7. The plates may have rolled
edges for increasing the stiffness thereof.
[0049] The recessed portions 1025, 1095 of the first plate 1005 and
the second plate 1010, respectively, may have a depth of 0.5 inch
(12.7 mm) from the inner peripheral edges 1020, 1090 of the first
plate 1005 and the second plate 1010, respectively. The first
projections 1030, 1100 of the first plate 1005 and the second plate
1010, respectively, may be formed by bending the corresponding
portion of the first plate 1005 and the second plate 1010 at an
angle of approximately 90.degree. from the plane A-A defined by the
first plate 1005 and the second plate 1010. Similarly, the second
projections 1035, 1110 of the first plate 1005 and the second plate
101, respectively, may be formed by bending the corresponding
portion of the first plate 1005 and the second plate 1010 at an
angle of approximately 90.degree. from the first projections 1030,
1100, so that the second projections 1035, 1110 extend in a
direction that is parallel to the plane A-A.
[0050] The first to sixth legs 1050, 1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, 1130
may be formed by rolling and bending of the metal, and may have a
circular cross-sectional diameter of 0.125 inch (3.18 mm). A total
length of each of the first, third, fourth, and sixth legs 1050,
1060, 1120, 1130 may be, for example, 3.75 inches (95.25 mm), and a
total length of the second and fifth legs 1055, 1125 may be, for
example, 3.25 inches (82.55 mm). The upper ends 1050a, 1055a,
1060a, 1120a, 1125a, and 1030a of the first to sixth legs 1050,
1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, and 1130, respectively, may be formed by
bending an end of the first to sixth legs 1050, 1055, 1060, 1120,
1125, and 1130 to form an angle of approximately 90.degree.. The
upper ends 1050a, 1060a, 1120a, and 1130a of the first, third,
fourth, and sixth legs 1050, 1060, 1120, and 1130, respectively,
measure approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm) in length, and the upper
ends 1055a, 1125a of the second and fifth legs 1055, 1125,
respectively, measure approximately 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). The lower
ends 1050b, 1055b, 1060b, 1120b, 1125b, and 1030b of the first to
sixth legs 1050, 1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, and 1130, respectively,
are also formed by bending another end of the first to sixth legs
1050, 1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, and 1030 to form an angle of
approximately 90.degree.. Each of the lower ends 1050b, 1055b,
1060b, 1120b, 1125b, and 1030b of the first to sixth legs 1050,
1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, and 1130 measures approximately 0.25 inch
(6.35 mm) along the respective first to sixth inward radial
direction.
[0051] The swing arms 1075, 1080 may also be formed by rolling and
bending of the metal, and may have a circular cross-sectional
diameter of 0.125 inch (3.18 mm). The looped ends 1075a, 1080a of
the swing arms 1075, 1080, respectively, may be formed by bending
one end of the swing arm 1075, 1080 to form a loop. The loop may be
partly open, as shown in FIG. 8, although it is within the scope of
our invention to form a fully enclosed loop. For example, a fully
enclosed loop may be formed by bending the end of the swing arm
1075, 1080 into a loop, and welding the end of the loop to the
swing arm 1075, 1080.
[0052] The circular ring 1070 may also be formed by rolling and
bending of the metal, and may have a circular cross-sectional
diameter of 0.0625 inch (1.59 mm). The circular ring 1070 may be
closed by welding. The diameter of the circular ring 1070 in the
first embodiment is 3 inches (76.2 mm). In comparison to a diameter
of the deflector 115, the diameter of the circular ring 1070 is
approximately one and one half to two times larger, which ensures
that the sprinkler guard 1000 is compact yet large enough so as not
to interfere with the spray pattern of the fire protection
sprinkler 100.
[0053] The lower ends 1050b, 1055b, 1060b, 1020b, 1025b, and 1030b
of the first to sixth legs 1050, 1055, 1060, 1120, 1125, and 1130
may be attached to the circular ring 1070 at upper surfaces
thereof, as shown in FIG. 1, by welding. In the first embodiment,
the second and fifth legs 1055, 1025 may be formed integrally with
the cross bar 1140, and thus, the circular ring 1070 is also welded
to an upper surface of the cross bar 1140. The second and fifth
legs 1055, 1125 are inserted into the looped ends 1075a, 1080a of
the swing arms. The upper ends 1050a, 1055a, and 1060a of the first
to third legs 1050, 1055, and 1060, respectively, are attached to
the lower surface 1065 of the first plate 1005 by welding.
Similarly, the upper ends 1120a, 1125a, and 1030a of the fourth to
sixth legs 1120, 1125, and 1130, respectively, are attached to the
lower surface 1115 of the second plate 1010.
[0054] Although the sprinkler guard 1000 may be manufactured using
rolling, bending, and welding, as described above, other
manufacturing processes may be used to form and to assemble the
sprinkler guard 1000.
[0055] A sprinkler guard according to a second embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 9-11. The sprinkler guard 9000 of
the second embodiment is generally similar to the sprinkler guard
1000 of the first embodiment, with the exception of the relative
orientation of the cross bar 9140. Accordingly, descriptions of
those elements of the first embodiment that are the same in the
second embodiment are omitted.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 10, the cross bar 10140 runs parallel to
the axis F, within the plane E-E defined by the circular ring
10070. The cross bar 10140 is connected to the circular ring 10070,
rather than the lower ends 10055b, 10125b of the second leg 10055
and the fifth leg 10125.
[0057] The sprinkler guard 10000 of this embodiment is adapted for
use with an ESFR fire protection sprinkler having a K-factor of
approximately 22 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 (K-22 ESFR sprinkler),
manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. The K-22
ESFR sprinkler (not shown) differs from the K-25 ESFR sprinkler in
both the K-factor, and in the orientation of the tabs of the
deflector. That is, the tabs of the deflector of the K-22 ESFR
sprinkler extend along the axis F, shown in FIG. 10. Frame arms
(not shown) of the K-22 ESFR sprinkler also extend along the axis
F. Positioning the cross bar 10140 along the axis F reduces the
interference of the sprinkler guard 10000 with the spray pattern
that is formed by the deflector of the K-22 ESFR sprinkler. Thus,
the sprinkler guard 10000 according to the second embodiment can be
used to protect a K-22 ESFR sprinkler from physical damage, while
ensuring that the K-22 ESFR sprinkler meets the testing
requirements set forth in the relevant standards discussed herein,
such as UL 1767 and FM Global 2008.
[0058] In each embodiment, the sprinkler guard may be formed of
metal, such as steel. Of course, other materials may be used to
form the sprinkler guard, as long as the material is sufficiently
flexible so as to allow for mounting of the sprinkler guard to the
fire protection sprinkler, and to allow for snap fitting of the
swing arms into the indented portions of the legs of the sprinkler
guard.
[0059] In addition, although the sprinkler guard described with
respect to the first embodiment is suitable for use with a K-25
ESFR sprinkler manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler
Co., Inc., the sprinkler guard may be used with other fire
protection sprinklers. Similarly, although the sprinkler guard
described with respect to the second embodiment is suitable for use
with a K-22 ESFR sprinkler manufactured by The Reliable Automatic
Sprinkler Co., Inc., the sprinkler guard may be used with other
fire protection sprinklers.
[0060] While the present invention has been described with respect
to what are, at present, considered to be the preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the
invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *